A visit to Wells and Wells Cathedral

Wells. Famous for being one of the smallest cities in the UK and for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost’s second edition to the Cornetto Trilogy, Hot Fuzz. And as it’s also not far from my family, Greg and I decided to go for a visit, along with my brother, to see what it had to offer other than Wells Cathedral.

While we were on a visit to see my family, Greg and I took my brother out for the day and took a trip to Wells as neither of us had actually been to cathedral before.

You may know of Wells and its cathedral not just because it is one of the smallest cities in the UK but also because of the film Hot Fuzz by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. I haven’t lived in Somerset for four years and I don’t know Wells particularly well so I can’t confirm if people actually speak like that there but you will find a lot of people from Somerset tend to have some form of this accent. I’m not sure if I particularly have a Somerset accent as my Mum tried to beat it out of us when we were small and people often are surprised if I say I’m originally from Somerset so watch my Youtube channel and form your own opinion on my accent if you wish.

What is Wells Cathedral?

Wells Cathedral has been described as “the most poetic of the English Cathedrals”, is set in the medieval heart of England’s smallest city and is the earliest English cathedral to be built in the Gothic style. The current building was erected between the 12th and 15th centuries and is a significant landmark in Somerset and the South West.

Wells Cathedral has some unique features that separate it from other English cathedrals.

The most notable are the beautiful inverted arches, more commonly called ‘scissor arches’, supporting the central tower. This structure was added in 1338 by Cathedral mason, William Joy, after the weight of a new spire on the top of the tower threatened to collapse the whole thing.

Wells Cathedral also has one of the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country. The Jesse Window, for instance, is one of the most splendid examples of 14th century stained glass in Europe, narrowly escaping destruction during the English Civil War.

Music is also integral to the worshiping and educational life of this holy place.Wells Cathedral Choir has been at the heart of the worshiping life of the Cathedral since 909 AD. It sings the daily services throughout the school terms and at other important points in the church’s year.